Skin cycling: the secret to glowing skin

Achieving clear, radiant skin in just 4 days: that's the promise of skin cycling, the new skincare routine that's creating a buzz. We'll reveal its secrets and give you the keys to mastering it, using dedicated products.

An American dermatologist developed this method, which has been widely spread on social media. Dr. Whitney Bowe, based in New York, wanted to create a simple and effective beauty ritual. Easy to perform, skin cycling involves avoiding the multiplication of skincare products by using targeted formulas each evening, following a precise rhythm. This prevents the accumulation of active ingredients. The right tempo? On the first evening, apply an exfoliating treatment to a cleansed face to clear and prepare the skin. On the second evening, apply a retinol-based treatment to smooth the skin texture and enhance radiance. On the third and fourth evenings, help the skin recover with a moisturizer. On subsequent evenings, continue this rhythm: exfoliation, retinol, hydration, and so on…

To be performed every evening, regardless of the treatment applied afterwards, cleansing not only removes makeup pigments but also impurities and pollution particles that can suffocate the skin. It should therefore be done even if you don't wear makeup. The ideal texture? An oil or a cleansing balm, whose oily phase gently lifts off all impurities and transforms into milk upon contact with water, leaving the skin supple and comfortable. This is the case, for example, with Pâte de Fleurs. The right technique: simply massage it with your fingertips, using circular motions, over your face and décolleté. Emulsify, then rinse. Then, all that's left is to apply your treatment.

Every fourth evening, exfoliate to remove dead cells. This also optimizes the penetration of active ingredients used afterwards. For this, two options are possible: mechanical exfoliation, such as Exfoliant Graines et Fleurs, whose diatomaceous earth micro-particles lift off dead cells and promote micro-circulation. It is gently massaged with fingertips in circular motions on damp skin. Enzymatic exfoliation like Gel Masque Phyto-Peeling 3 min, which is grain-free, is an alternative. Based on AHAs, it is applied in a thin layer on dry skin and left on for only 3 minutes. This is the time it needs to dissolve dead cells. Then, simply rinse. Mechanical or chemical, exfoliation gives the skin a smoother appearance and helps restore its radiance.

The day after exfoliation, and still every fourth evening, it's time for a retinol-based treatment, an active ingredient renowned for its ability to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and revive skin radiance. It also helps combat the appearance of dark spots. At Cinq Mondes, we prefer a Retinoid-like complex, which is better tolerated by the skin and has no undesirable side effects. It can be found in Élixir Précieux Éclat, a resurfacing serum based on vegetable oils, which provides an immediate "new skin" effect. Apply it to perfectly cleansed skin and follow with a moisturizer.

To help the skin recover, it is essential to provide it with a good dose of hydration. For the two days following the use of retinol or retinoid-like treatment, let your skin rest. Simply restore comfort and hydration with a targeted treatment. The best ally? A restorative formula like Crème Infinité, based on plant-based hyaluronic acid, uvaxine, and camellia oil. Or Crème Précieuse Nuit, which combines hyaluronic acid, peptides, and Chronodyn®, which hydrates, stimulates collagen production, and cellular regeneration. It can be combined with an oil for enhanced hydration.

This minimalist skincare routine is suitable for almost all skin types and can improve their appearance in record time. It's the ideal technique to restore radiance to the skin, but also to reduce imperfections. Pimples and irregularities disappear. Skin cycling is also key to achieving younger-looking skin and fighting the signs of aging. Wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots fade. It adapts to all ages. It helps reduce the quantity of skincare applied to the skin and simplifies your routine. In short, it's a winner! During the day, you maintain your usual ritual, which targets your specific concerns: wrinkles, loss of firmness, imperfections... The ideal? Follow this protocol for at least a month, the time for cell renewal.